There are many references to "nourishing" in Shakespeare's works. When researching the phrase, the initial search showed "Quod Me Nutrit Me Destruit." The origin of this phrase, meaning "that which nourishes me, destroys me," lies with Christopher Marlowe. The quote was found on a portrait of Marlowe, dating 1585 (Marlowe was 21).

Given the influence Marlowe had on Shakespeare, it is of no surprise that Shakespeare used the phrase (or an alternate of...

There are many references to "nourishing" in Shakespeare's works. When researching the phrase, the initial search showed "Quod Me Nutrit Me Destruit." The origin of this phrase, meaning "that which nourishes me, destroys me," lies with Christopher Marlowe. The quote was found on a portrait of Marlowe, dating 1585 (Marlowe was 21).

Given the influence Marlowe had on Shakespeare, it is of no surprise that Shakespeare used the phrase (or an alternate of the phrase) in some of his works.

For example, in Sonnet 73, the following reference to nourishment is found:

As the death-bed whereon it must expireConsumed with that which it was nourish'd by.

Pericles, a play by Shakespeare, also contains a reference to nourishment. In Act II, scene ii, Thaisa states the following:

A burning torch that's turned upside down

The word, Qui me alit me extinguit.

Here again, the idea that the one who feeds also extinguishes is highlighted.